Saudi students weighing new options

Manama, March 22, 2011

Some Saudi students in Bahrain are considering transferring to other universities in neighbouring countries following the suspension of studies.

The Education Ministry had on Wednesday announced closing the doors for students in all government and private universities, schools, nurseries and other educational institutions until further notice.

Faculty members and staff, however, have been allowed to return to finalise procedures once studies resume.

Saudi students say they have been staying home and waiting for news that they are allowed to continue their studies in Bahrain.

However, some have already started looking for alternative universities in neighbouring GCC countries.

Management bachelor degree student, who wanted to be identified as Noor Q, told our sister newspaper Gulf Daily News (GDN) that she was already searching for universities in the UAE as alternative option in case she could not return to Bahrain.

'I do not want to study in Saudi as my credit hours will not be accredited,' said the 25-year-old.

'Therefore, if the situation does not get better, I am considering transferring to the UAE and continue my studies there.'

The private university student said she already contacted friends studying in private universities in Dubai to find out what were the requirements.

'I do not want to leave Bahrain as I got used to my university and friends,' she said.

'But if I go back to my country and feel the situation is not safe, I will withdraw and go to an alternative place.'

Some students said they were worried for their education future, as they had only one semester left to graduate.

Saudi Masters student, who wanted to be identified as Ahmed, said he did not have many options as he was supposed to graduate by the end of this semester.

The 26-year-old said he could not consider going back to Saudi and study as the system there does not accredit his bachelor's degree from the Bahraini private university.

'Technically in Saudi, I am only holding a high school degree,' he said.

'This is due to the fact that I have studied in a private university not accredited by the Saudi Higher Education Council, so my masters will also not be accredited.

'I will wait to continue my studies in Bahrain as I do not have a choice. If it did not get better then I will be forced to consider other options elsewhere to secure my academic future.'

There are more than 3,000 Saudi students currently studying in Bahraini universities, according to Saudi media.-TradeArabia News Service